How to Make Your Favorite Rug Work in Your Space

So you've found your dream rug and you're eager to make it work in your space? These tips from top interior design sources will help you tweak your current space (or totally start from scratch) to seamlessly make room for the rug of your dreams!

Maybe you're starting with an empty room and have found a rug that you're going to design everything around, or perhaps you're going to try to work a rug you can't live without into a space that's already complete. Both tasks can be challenging, but these tips inspired by this Elle Decor article and this HGTV article are here to help!

Tip #1: Snap a picture of your rug since you can't take it shopping with you (unless you're Mary Poppins?). This way you'll have a visual reference while you're out scouting for accent pieces or furniture.

Tip #2:Don't match everything. It's all about the mix, so select a few key items that coordinate with your rug, and then have fun with mixing and matching things like throw pillows! It's not like you have to go out and have custom drapes made to match (unless you really really wan to).

Tip #3: Use your rug as an anchor. Place your rug first, even if it means pulling your current furniture away so you have a clear view of where the rug needs to go. Then place your key pieces around it.

Tip #4: Arrange your furniture so it sits – at least partly – on the rug. This ensures your rug doesn't look like an isolated island in your room.

Tip #5: Leave a border! Your area rug shouldn't cover the entire floor underneath. Make sure there is a border between the edge of your rug and the baseboards.

Tip #6: Don't be afraid to make a statement! Have fun with bold color and pattern and let your own personality shine through in your space. If you're in love with your rug you'll be happy seeing it everyday and that's what matters most. Everything else will fall into place.

Tip #7: Try a layering effect. Layering rugs can be done with a rug over carpet, or two or more rugs on top of one another so the bottom layers are visible. This adds dimension and texture to your space and is a great trick for covering up an old solid-colored or jute area rug with something a bit smaller and patterned!

Tip #8: Add a rug where you spend a lot of time. Rugs create instant coziness (who doesn't like warm feet?), so add a fun rug to the places you spend a lot of time, like your kitchen, home office, dining room (under your dining table) or bedroom and bathroom!

Tip #9: A large space deserves more rug! Don't limit yourself to just one rug in a large space. If you have a sprawling living room, you can create two separate areas with rugs that compliment and coordinate with each other. The placement of rugs in a large room can help define areas and punctuate a space.

Tip #10: Let's get realistic. Family, friends, kids, and pets all create wear and tear on a rug, so be real when deciding on material. If you expect a lot of traffic on the rug, look for wool! Wool rugs are easy to clean and extremely durable. Plus, wool rugs with pattern can help disguise inevitable stains and dirt.